Evolve pragmatic programme for Bihar flood victims’ relief: PM

New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday called for evolving a “pragmatic, time-bound and well monitored programme” for providing relief to the victims of Bihar’s devastating floods.The directive came at an urgent meeting of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) that the prime minister convened here to examine the relief and rehabilitation measures taken in the wake of the floods that have killed scores of people and rendered tens of thousands homeless.

“The PM directed that all the points (raised during the meeting) should be quickly examined in order to evolve a pragmatic, time-bound and well monitored programme,” an official statement late Friday said.

It was also decided to establish a system of close monitoring to ensure proper fund utilization and daily reporting of this.

Given the enormity of the task, all central and state agencies, civil society and corporates should be involved for specified items of rehabilitation, the meeting felt, even as it decided to position a NDMA team in the affected areas “to ensure better coordination”, the statement said.

The meeting noted that the first stage of immediate response and evacuation was almost over. It was reported that all the marooned persons have been rescued, though there are reports to the contrary.

“The National Executive Committee was asked to give PM a full report within the next couple of days,” the statement said.

The meeting identified the six key areas where immediate action was required as:

* Plugging of the breach in the Kosi river that caused the floods;

* Setting up more relief camps,

* Providing safe drinking water and sanitation in the camps and villages,

* Health surveillance,

* Preparing affected agricultural fields for the rabi crop,

* Proper implementation of the various components of the Bharat Nirman scheme relating to roads, water, telephones, electricity and housing.